Here, you'll find all you need to know about air conditioning installation costs, average prices for different types of unit, and how to calculate the right size system for your needs.

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As UK summers grow warmer, air conditioning is becoming less of a luxury and more of a necessity. But how much does air conditioner installation cost?

On average, expect to pay between £620 - £890 for a 12000 BTU wall-mounted air conditioner unit (materials only). Installation costs average around £960 - £1,380 on top.

However, calculating the total cost varies depending on several factors. Read on to discover all you need to know to help plan for the cost of air conditioner installation in your home.

How much does air conditioner installation cost in 2026?

Understanding BTU

BTU (British thermal unit) is the unit measurement used to calculate the optimal size air conditioning unit for the space you want to cool.

The main factor that determines BTU is room size. However, ceiling height, the number of windows and doors, and the room's purpose will also be taken into account by the HVAC engineer you hire.

• As a guide, a 12000 BTU system is usually suitable for an average-sized bedroom

• The average cost of a 12000 BTU wall-mounted unit (also known as a split air con unit) is £750

• Installation costs for a wall-mounted unit tend to average around £1,150

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Cost of air conditioner installation by type

When selecting the most suitable air conditioning unit for a home in the UK, it's normally a choice between four types of systems:

• Split (or wall-mounted) air conditioning units

• A ducted air conditioning system

• Window air con units

• Portable air conditioning units

1. Split air conditioner installation costs

Wall-mounted air conditioners, commonly known as split air conditioners, are the most popular type of air con found in homes.

Ideal for: Cooling single rooms or multiple spaces with a multi-split setup.

Pros of split air con system:

• Highly efficient

• Space saving

• Generally an easier retrofit than a ducted system

Cons of a split air con system:

• Requires a large fan unit to be fitted to the property exterior

• Not as discreet as a ducted system

• May not be suitable for listed buildings or flats

How much does split air conditioner installation cost?

• A 12000 BTU wall-mounted unit typically costs between £620 - £890 per unit

• Labour costs average around £960 - £1,380 per unit

2. Ducted air conditioning price

A ducted system has a fan attached to the exterior of the property. Instead of a wall-mounted unit inside, the outlet is ducted to the ceiling.

Ideal for: Larger homes or spaces where aesthetics are a priority.

Pros of a ducted air con system:

• The most discreet air conditioning option

• Can easily be installed for one room or split into numerous controllable zones

• Quietest of the systems

Cons of a ducted air conditioning system:

• Not all properties will have the ceiling space for this system

• It's the most expensive option to install

Average cost for a ducted air conditioning system

• The average cost for a 12000 BTU ducted air conditioning system is between £830 - £1,190 per unit

• Labour costs average around £1,460 - £2,100 per unit

3. Window air conditioning unit

A window air con unit is securely installed in an existing window frame. However, they are not very common in UK homes.

Ideal for: Single rooms, flats, or smaller spaces where a quick, fixed solution is needed.

Pros of a window air con unit:

• More affordable installation vs other types of systems

• Compact and effective for individual rooms

Cons of a window AC unit:

• Blocks part of the window, reducing natural light and views

• May not suit all window types or the regulations for listed buildings

How much does a window AC unit cost?

• The average cost for a 12000 BTU window AC unit is between £300 - £1,200 per unit

• Labour costs average around £300 - £1,000 per unit

4. Portable air conditioning cost

A portable (or ‘freestanding’) air conditioning unit often comes complete with a drain hose or exhaust duct to expel moisture via an open window.

Ideal for: Renters or temporary cooling needs.

Pros of a portable air con unit:

• Doesn't require installation

• More affordable upfront

• Can be moved from room to room

• Can be put away when out of use

Cons of a portable air con unit:

• Costs more to run than a fixed unit

• Not suitable for large rooms

• Can be noisy

• Less effective at cooling than fixed systems, especially in hot climates

• Collects condensate in a tray, which needs to be regularly emptied

How much do portable air conditioning units cost?

To buy a 12000 BTU portable air conditioning unit, you're looking at between £300 - £420.

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What factors affect the cost of air conditioner installation?

Several factors affect the average cost of air conditioning installation in UK homes, including:

• Size and scope of installation: The larger your home, the more complex the layout, and the more rooms you want to cool, the higher the cost of your air con installation

• System type: Split systems, ducted systems, and portable units all have different price points

• High-spec features: Some air con systems can be controlled via an app, with special features such as night mode, timers, and a dehumidifier function; the more advanced systems typically come with a higher price tag

• Preparatory work: Modifications to the ceiling or existing wiring can add to the overall costs

• Location: Labour rates for air con installation will vary across the UK, with the highest rates in London and the South

Hidden costs of air con installation to watch out for

Now you have a good idea of how much air conditioning costs to install in UK homes. However, there are some other costs to consider before investing in your system.

Running costs

The exact cost of running your air conditioning system will depend on several factors, including:

• The type of air conditioning system

• Its age and efficiency

• How long it's on for

• How well insulated your property is

As a rough guide, the cost of running an air conditioner unit will range from around 20 pence to 60 pence per hour of operation.

However, there are several steps you can take to reduce your running costs, including:

• Sealing your windows to keep cool air in

• Investing in a smart thermostat

• Committing to properly maintaining your air conditioner

Maintenance costs

Keeping your air conditioner in good working order will help to increase its longevity and efficiency, saving you money in the long run.

A one-off service typically costs between £70 - £120 per unit.

Read our guide to air con servicing costs for a full breakdown of the maintenance costs you can expect.

Cost-saving tips for air conditioning installation

It’s a good idea to read customer reviews from real people and get multiple quotes to make sure you find a fair and competitive price for air conditioning installation. This also provides the opportunity to make sure you hire right. Ask installers:

• What type and size system is best for my property?

• Have you completed similar work on other properties?

• Can I see examples of your recent installations?

• Do you have any customer reviews or testimonials?

Other cost-saving tips include:

• Choosing energy-efficient models that provide lower running costs in the long term

• Selecting the right size system to ensure it's effective for the space you wish to cool

• Looking for sales - sometimes air con installation is cheaper during off-peak seasons, such as spring or autumn

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Cost of hiring an air conditioner installer vs DIY

Some types of air conditioner units can be installed yourself, however, we would always advise hiring a tradesperson for safe, proper, and legal installation. Here’s why:

• Air conditioner installation involves electrical work, which must be done by a qualified electrician

• Air conditioning units that use refrigerants must only be handled by tradepeople with F-Gas qualifications

• Structural modifications are sometimes needed during installation, which, again, is best left to an experienced installer

• Some air conditioner warranties are only valid if installed by a professional service provider

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Air conditioner installer day rates

Air conditioner installers tend to work on a day rate or will quote for the total cost of the installation rather than hourly rates.

• Expect to pay between £280 - £720 per day for labour

• The more units installed at the same time, the lower the unit cost per installation

How long does aircon take to install?

Air con installation timescales vary depending on the size of your home and the type of system you choose, but as a guide:

• Installing a single air con unit should take roughly one day

• Multi-room systems, larger homes, and complex systems might take closer to one week to install

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Air conditioner installation cost checklist

• Consider your requirements: Do you need to cool specific rooms or your whole house?

• Measure the size of your rooms to help calculate the BTU output required to cool them

• Speak to a checked air conditioner installer with Checkatrade for guidance on suitable systems for your home 

• Always get a selection of quotes from local installers to help ensure you get a fair and competitive price for the work

Air conditioning installation checklist

• What area or rooms do I want to keep cool?

• What size are the rooms?

• Do I know the necessary BTU requirement?

• Will there be any access issues?

• Is there space or requirement for venting?

• Will I want a smart home integration?

FAQs

How much does air conditioning installation cost in the UK?

Air conditioning installation costs vary depending on the size of your home and the type of air conditioning system you choose.

That said, a 12000 BTU wall-mounted (split) system typically costs around £750 per unit and around £1,150 for installation.

How much does air conditioning cost to run in the UK?

Running costs vary between 20 pence to 60 pence per hour of operation, depending on the type of system, its age, efficiency, and how it's used.

How long does it take to install air conditioning in a house?

Installation typically takes one day for a single air con unit, up to around one week for multi-room systems.

What's the cheapest air conditioning option?

Portable air conditioning units are the most affordable option, starting at around £350.

Is it worth getting air conditioning in UK?

Yes! Extreme heat events are set to become more frequent and severe in the UK (according to LSE).

Not only do summer temperatures affect our sleep, but with more and more of us working from home, they affect our productivity too.

With that in mind, we think air conditioning is well worth investing in to climate-proof your home.

Why is air conditioner installation so expensive?

Your air conditioning installation quote may be expensive if you're hoping to install a ducted system and you don't have existing ductwork.

Installing the ductwork can be labour-intensive as these systems are designed to be completely concealed, often in a suspended ceiling or on the ground.

Does air con use a lot of electricity UK?

How much electricity your air conditioner uses will depend on the type of air conditioner you have, its size, and how well insulated your home is.

As a rough guide, you can expect a ducted system to use between 3,000 and 3,500 watts per hour.

On the other hand, portable units can consume anywhere between 2,900 and 4,100 watts per hour.

Is air conditioning expensive to run UK?

It's hard to say how expensive air conditioning is to run in the UK. Running costs will vary based on several factors, including the current cost of electricity, the type of air conditioning system you have, its age, efficiency, and how well insulated your home is.

As a ballpark estimate, the cost of running an air conditioner unit will range from around 20 pence to 60 pence per hour of operation.

Can I install air conditioning in my flat UK?

Absolutely! Just bear in mind that you may need to get permission from the freeholder to install the external condenser on the outside wall of the building.

Similarly, although most properties will be able to install air conditioning without planning permission, if you live in a city-based apartment, you're likely to need planning permission for this same reason.

If you have trouble getting the necessary permissions, don't panic. Water-cooled air conditioning units can be installed fully on the inside of your property, without the need for an external condenser.

Can I install air conditioning in a rented property?

Yes, portable units give you the freedom to have air conditioning in a rented property as they don't require permanent installation.

Are portable air conditioning units a good alternative?

Portable units are cost-effective and easy to set up, but may not be as energy efficient or powerful as fixed systems.

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